Review / New from Urban Decay 2014

The Urban Decay Naked range is ever growing and the latest additions come in the form of finishing powders and lipglosses.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder* comes in 5 shades to create a flawless base and to compliment the other products from the Naked Skin line - liquid foundation and beauty balm. Personally, I swear by Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Make Up and the powder is the perfect finishing step to achieve a semi-matte, yet luminous and flawless look.

I’m shade 3.0 (in the foundation) therefore Naked Medium Light works best for me – there’s actually a chart that you can refer to, so you can buy the ideal match for your base.

It can also been worn on its own on bare skin and, because it's so finely milled, it never ends up looking cakey or unnatural.

The powder has a blurring effect on a multitude of imperfections, pores and redness; I have never achieve such an impressive finish before and I swear, it looks like my skin has been airbrushed… it’s that good!!!

It feels amazing on the skin! Silky and soft to the touch and it contains microbeads that burst of hydration when applied to the skin... it is really quite addictive!

The packaging then, deserves a mention of its own: the sturdy round jar reveals a custom gunmetal sifter with the UD logo! In practicality, it's fantastic and the 4 holes dispense the right amount of product, without any mess.

The formula is also free of oil, parabens, alcohol and fragrances.

I think you can tell the difference in the picture below - of course, in person the results are even more impressive - but it’s undeniable that the skin on the bottom half of my hand looks more even, smooth and the redness has been toned down.

The Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss* will convert even the most reluctant of beauty addict and lipstick devotee.

There are no bright colours in this lip range but they are 9 shades of nudes, bronzes and pinks - all gorgeous and sutaible of many skintones.

Again, the packaging is just stunning! They come in a polished, metallic bronze tube with the iconic 'Naked' cutout on the side.

Liar is a pinky mauve that has the power to brighten any make up look! It’s subtle but instantly beautifying and the super gloss finish is perfect to coordinate with an  high-impact smoky eye.

It's called nourishing for a reason: the formulation contains vitamin E, avocado oil and shea butter to hydrate and condition. Rosehip seed oil also provides an extra boost of vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants; it does feel very balmy and non sticky and like you're getting a treatment for your lips, at the same time. 

Are you a fan of the Urban Decay Naked range?
The new products are now available in Debenhams, House of Fraser nationwide and online.

Out Now / Urban Decay Fall 2013

These beauties have now hit the shops!

Urban Decay has always been my favourite brand when it comes to eyeshadows and eye make up, in general; it's pretty exciting to see their collection expanding to lips and nail polishes too.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil

Long lasting and waterproof lipliners to define and prime the lips. They come in 16 shades and I already have my eyes on Ozone - a clearn pencil, ideal to use with any colour - and Native - a beautiful pale pink.

If these are just half as good as the 24/7 for eyes... I NEED one in every colour!!!

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick

Creamy formula with an insane colour pay-off and shine finish; these are nourishing and moisturising with jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. 

Love the gunmetal and purple packaging and there is a wide range of 22 shades available... my picks? Liar - pinky-brown nude - and Fiend - muted rose.

Urban Decay Nail Color
Urban Decay actually started in 1996 with nails and lips products so this is the most exciting return to the Urban Decay family with 2 stunning colours with an urban vibe. Extremely durable and chip-resistant, they are also 3-free-formulated - without toluene, formaldehyde or DBP.
Vice is a deep purple with red and blue micro shimmer - Addiction is a metallic gunmetal with micro sparkles. Again, the packaging is uber-cool!


Urban Decay Naked Skin - Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder
Well, call me boring but I'm super excited about this pressed powder. I love the Naked Skin liquid foundation and this sounds like the perfect match to set your make up.
It comes in a healthy 5 shades and with a cute drawstring pouch; weightless on the skin and with a semi-matte, luminous finish... I WANT!!!

Urban Decay B6 Vitamins-Infused Complexion Prep Spray
I'm a fan of the UD Setting sprays and trust them everytime I need my make up to last all day. This is actually a prep spray that can be used throughtout the day to freshen up your complexion.
It's full of antioxidant ingredients and also absorbs oil, reduce redness and minimize pores; free from oils and parabens... Here comes the SuperSpray (also suitable for men)!

Urban Decay Brow Box
A redesign for this best-selling brow kit. I never do my brows (thank you fringe!) but this wee box contains everything you need in a handy cute cube: 2 brow colours, wax, tweezers and 2 brushes. It's available on two shades and comes in the iconic purple packaging.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging
... and last but not least, the latest addition to the Eyeshadow Primer Potion line!
I simply rate the 'original' like the best eye primer that I have ever used and now it comes with anti-aging benefits. It promises the same 24hr crease free look plus contains ingredients that help prevent and repair wrinkles in 8 weeks. One for the test!

What do you think? This is a-collection-and-a-half and I'm excited for every single item... Are you going to buy anything from this collection?

Review / Neve Cosmetics Flat Perfection

I like mineral foundations but I don't enjoy the fussiness of loose powders so I've been looking into getting a pressed version for a while... when Neve Cosmetics Flat Perfection* came along just at the right time.
The product is very light and fine but still provides good coverage and reduces redness as well; it comes in 8 shades with  a choice of undertones: neutral, rose, warm.
The neutral shades are perfect for me: Light Neutral is my skin to a tee, whilst Fair Neutral is a bit too light. Of course, you can mix different powders to achieve perfection but I have actually been using the lighter shade for touch ups, during the day.

I like to use a kabuki brush for application - it blends easily and it's perfect for early mornings because I get my face on in a matter of seconds.  It's totally been my savior for the last few scorching days because provides better longevity than liquid foundation, on my skin type. It also let me skip an extra step (liquid foundation, powder)... it's like a practical 2-in-1 product really.

About the packaging - not sure if you can tell from the pictures but the sleek compact reminds me of a smooth pebble and in fact the harmonious design took inspiration from stones of a zen garden. :)

Have you tried Neve Cosmetics yet? Do you prefer liquid or powder foundation?

Review / Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder

So... few weeks ago I decided I needed a bronzer.

I just have a couple of old ones and I don't use them very often, but maybe my post-Christmas chubby face prompted the urge to start sculpting my cheeks.

At the same time, I didn't feel to jump straight into a full on bronzer so I ordered Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder.

You can imagine my surprise when I find this huge blue box in the post. That's right, the powder comes with a mini kabuki too (I thought you had to buy it separately) - Score! ;)
The packaging is simply beautiful and the quality and attention to details you get for the price... well, I think it's a bargain!

It's  described as a 'beautifying powder' so technically not a bronzer but it's still dark enough that I can use it to contour... with an added glow finish!
There are 4 shades available and I got the 02 Sunlight which combines both colour and light to create a stunning powder that works with primary and secondary skin tones and the apricot hue delivers a natural and healthy radiance.
I'm also looking forward to try it in the summer as all over the face powder - Bet it will look incredible over tanned skin, too.

I got mine from Escentual.com for 29quid - it retails for £36 on the high street - and I also received these generous samples... making me a happy customer indeed.
(Btw, that Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi is amazingly good!!!)

What's your favourite Dior make up item? Any recommendation?
xxx

Review / Pür Minerals

Exciting new launch to share with you today!

Pür Minerals is a leading american brand of mineral make up that is going strong for over 10 years and  it has now arrived in Uk.

I was kindly sent the Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup* to try out.

I was very intrigued to give it a go since, I must admit, I had never heard about this brand before.

I like the dotted design both on the box and the actual item: sleek and substantial compact with a mirror to pop in your handbag.
I have blush medium which is a great match for me but the range comes in 10 shades, which is a decent number, and you're bound to find a colour that suits you too.

This pressed foundation feels very smooth on the skin and doesn't accentuate lines or dry skin.
But what does 4-in-1 mean? The product is a foundation, powder, concealer and SPF15... how about that for multi tasking!
Personally, I can vouch for it: I have never achieve such a high coverage from any other powder before. 

There is also a specific brush - Chisel Makeup Brush -  to go with the powder and I got to say this is a match made in heaven!
I didn't think much about the brush, when I first saw it, but I was blown away as soon as I tried it out. It just collects the right amount of product and the short and chubby handle blends to a consistent, uniform finish. 

It also let you build to a decent coverage which is great if, like me, you have issues with uneven skintone. Definitely looking into buy a couple more of those.

yep, I need an haircut :S

Pür Minerals includes a full range of make up essentials like primers, eye and lip products, mascara and liquid foundations and it is now exclusively available from Marks & Spencer You Beauty stores.

Introducing / Laura Mercier

Today I'm going to talk about Laura Mercier make up.

I have had these products for a little while now so I had a proper chance to use them and form an opinion about them.

First off, the Mineral Powder SPF15 in Real Sand - my favourite item of the lot.

I love love this powder, it's so fine and leaves such a beautiful finish.

You can see, in the picture below, the subtle radiance and flawless look on my hand.

Then I decided to get a primer too and I went with Mineral Foundation Primer to use in conjunction with the foundation.

It's got a nice velvety feeling and helps keeping the top layer in place but I don't think it makes a difference in the appearance of my skin. I wouldn't buy it again, to be honest.

Finally, the Secret Camouflage Concealer in SC-3.

This is great for spots but - fortunately - i don't get many so I don't get a great use out of it.

It is too dry for under eye but, because of the dryness, it sets very nicely when covering blemishes.

Also, I don't like the packaging: the plastic feels cheap and the  mirror doesn't fit properly - I would expect a bit more from an high end brand like Laura Mercier.

I'm really pleased with the results... so have you tried any of these products?

What do you think about Laura Mercier?

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